It’s been 1,020 days since Gabriel Landeskog last laced up his skates and participated in a real hockey game, but on this day 1,020, he might play a hockey game—no more suits and suites for the Nordic Captain. Tonight it’s Colorado Eagles vs. Henderson Silver Knights in Loveland, CO, but it’s Gabe Landeskog vs. the world!
Where to watch
The AHL’s streaming platform will likely see more traffic tonight than it ever has, so let’s hope there isn’t an overload that causes broadcast issues. Here is a link to AHL TV courtesy of FloSports! You will be able to catch all of the action for all the games for Landeskog and the Eagles, who will welcome their new teammate with open arms.
What to expect
Well, it’s no secret that the AHL plays at a different pace and style than the NHL, but it’s likely a good training ground for Gabe since he intends to make his return against the Dallas Stars and their squad of goons in the first round. We can expect to see Gabe early but potentially not often in this first contest. I expect 10-12 minutes of ice time to get the gears greased up.
That TOI expectancy might get blown entirely out of the water, which would be a good thing. With the questions and lack of answers regarding how healthy and comfortable Landeskog is right now, it’s tough to guess how he will be deployed. If he’s a 10-12 minute player, that would ultimately put him as a 3rd or 4th liner.
The good news is that the Eagles run systems that should re-familiarize Landeskog with how the Colorado Avalanche likes to do things. It will just be at a slightly slower pace. Gabe is getting into some exhibitions in “Amateur” mode before ramping up the difficulty to “Hall-of-Fame.” It feels like a good way to get back into the swing of things!
Projected Lineup:
Tye Felhaber (48) — Jayson Megna (21) — Matthew Phillips (54)Gabriel Landeskog (92) — TJ Tynan (9) — Chris Wagner (14)Nikita Prishchepov (85) — Mark Senden (15) — Oskar Olausson (24)
Taylor Makar (6) — Ivan Ivan (82) — Jean-Luc Foudy (93)
Jack Ahcan (18) — Bryan Yoon (71)John Ludvig (10) — Devante Stephans (74)
Wyatt Aamodt (5) — Calle Rosen (43)
Kevin Mandolese (31)
Adam Scheel (34)
